Shutter
ˈʃʌtər
Definitions
3 meaningsA hinged or sliding cover for a window or opening; a device that opens and closes to expose the film in a camera.
ˈʃʌtər
A movable cover or screen for a window.
The wooden shutters protected the windows from the storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine your house has these wooden things on the outside of the windows. They're called shutters, and you can open or close them to block the sun. Also, a camera uses a shutter inside it like a door that lets light in for a tiny bit to take a picture!
👶 For kids: A shutter is like a door that covers a window or the camera part that opens to take a picture.
More Examples
The photographer adjusted the shutter speed to capture the fast-moving subject.
How It's Used
"The house had wooden shutters on all the windows."
"The camera's shutter speed was set too high."
To fit or close with shutters; to close off completely.
ˈʃʌtər
To close or cover something with a shutter or shutters.
They shuttered the store for the winter.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're closing the shop for the night by putting down the shutters. Or if a company has to close down completely, we say they've 'shuttered' the business.
👶 For kids: To shutter means to close something up tight, like putting shutters over windows or closing a store.
More Examples
The news agency shuttered its local office after low profits.
He shuttered his eyes against the bright sunlight.
How It's Used
"He shuttered the windows to keep out the heat."
"The company shuttered its factory due to low demand."
To shake or tremble violently, usually because of fear or cold; to move convulsively.
ˈʃʌtər
To move or tremble violently.
His body shuttered from the sudden cold.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're super scared, and you start to shake or tremble. That's kind of like 'shuttering.' Your body's moving quickly and uncontrollably because of something strong like fear or cold.
👶 For kids: To shutter means to shake a lot, like when you're scared or freezing.
More Examples
Her lip shuttered before she could respond.
The car shuttered to a halt.
How It's Used
"He shuttered with fear when he heard the loud noise."
"Her voice shuttered as she spoke of the event."
From Middle English *shutter*, from Old English *scēotan* ('to shoot, move quickly'). The sense of 'cover' or 'close' developed over time, and it's related to words like 'shoot' and 'shed'.
The word 'shutter' in the sense of a window covering dates back to the 16th century. The verb form, to close something with a shutter or to close down, is from the 18th century.
Memory tip
Think of a window cover that opens and closes to control light or a camera part that controls how long light hits the film.
Word Origin
"To close off or cover."